On the 5th February 1986, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College opened its doors and welcomed its first group of Year 7 students. In 2026 we celebrate 40 years of Catholic Secondary Education in South Gippsland.

Ed Carmody was the founding Principal of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, steering the school literally from the ground up, serving from 1986 to 1998. Sadly we lost Ed in 2019, but we are very fortunate that his wife, Jill Carmody, has generously shared her memories of the early years of the College, including the dedication, hard work and commitment of Ed, his family and staff in establishing the College:

Jenny Shea was amongst the original staff who helped establish Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, in February 1986. Jenny is still working at the college, an incredible 40 years of service to our students.

See Jenny’s reflections on the past 40 years of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College below:

The site of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College circa 1986:

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College 2023: